MCSA provides a convenient neighborhood location where all people can be exposed to and pursue the arts as a life-long avocation and where more motivated students can receive intensive training in specific disciplines.  The school is unique because it targets pre-school children thru senior citizens.  By creating local opportunities for high quality arts programs, performances and exhibitions it promotes and fosters an intercultural and intergenerational exchange of arts and heritage, creating a harmonious coexistence of citizens and sustaining lifelong skills and friendships with the arts.

For the Mitchellville Community School of the Arts locations & directions, please click here

The Founder    

Cheryl Nkeba is the founder of the Mitchellville Community School of The Arts and the Capital Trio.  Ms. Nkeba earned a GPD (bassoon) from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, a M.M. from West Virginia University and a B.S. from Norfolk State University.  She has performed as principal bassoonist with the Capital Wind Symphony and works as a freelance musician throughout the Greater Washington, D.C. area.  Ms. Nkeba is a graduate of the Arts Management in Community Institutions Summer Institute (AMICI), the only professional development program in the United States that is designed specifically to meet the needs of community schools of the arts.   

Ms. Nkeba serves on the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), Multicultural Committee and served on the MSAC Music Panel from 1995-98 & 2003.  Currently, she is serving on Music Panel B for the Maryland State Arts Council.  She is a former member of the Southlake at Lake Arbor Board of Directors (1998-2003). 

Active in community arts, Ms. Nkeba has received several grants/awards for performance as well as educational projects and is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.  Formerly the Coordinator of Education Programs for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, she has worked an arts management consultant and the director of instrumental music (Wind & Percussion) at public and private schools and previously was the Director of Winds & Percussion and Handbells at the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, MD.

In establishing the Mitchellville Community School of The Arts, Mrs. Nkeba has recognized the need for she and her artist colleagues to expand the arena of their teaching to reach a much wider audience than is possible within the context of individual teaching studios. Within MCSA, Ms. Nkeba has inculcated a philosophy that children and adults of all ages have the ability to develop latent talents and abilities in the arts.  Ms. Nkeba has endorsed the philosophy that if there is a desire to learn and appropriate practice is combined with excellent teaching, students of all ages can seek and achieve new heights of artistic expertise.  Ms. Nkeba is also a member of the Faculty.

Lesson Locations, Directions & Mailing Address

Lesson Locations & Directions:

MCSA - Bowie (Main Location)

(Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday)

MCSA - Mt. Rainier

Joe's Movement Emporium Building

(Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - Private lessons available Monday and Tuesday)

Mailing Address

MCSA

12138 Central Ave

Suite 141

Mitchellville, MD 20721

(301) 218-8600 (O)

(301) 218-8068 (F)

The School is conveniently located less than 35 minutes from the Nation’s Capitol.